Happy Birthday to Tom Petty‘s right-hand man, Heartbreakers co-founder and lead guitarist, Mike Campbell, who turns 68 today (February 1st). Campbell was part of Mudcrutch with Petty prior to the pair founding the Heartbreakers in 1975, and along with Petty reunited with the band for their 2007 self-titled album. Throughout the years Campbell co-wrote many of Petty and the Heartbreakers” most beloved songs, including, “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” “A Woman In Love,” “Love Is A Long Road,” and “You Wreck Me,” along with “Jammin’ Me” — which they co-wrote with Bob Dylan, and “Runnin’ Down A Dream” which the pair co-wrote with Jeff Lynne.
Last Saturday night (January 27th), Campbell paid tribute to Tom Petty during a benefit gig in Anaheim, California with his side band, the Dirty Knobs. Campbell took the lead on the 2010 Mojo standout “Something Good Coming” and 1989’s Petty solo hit, “Runnin’ Down A Dream,” which Campbell co-wrote. Special guest Stephen Stills joined in on his 1970 solo hit, “Love The One You’re With.” On April 21st Campbell, along with fellow Heartbreakers Benmont Tench and Steve Ferrone, will make their first live appearance together since Petty’s death when they’ll regroup to perform at Stills’ “Light Up The Blues” Autism benefit concert at L.A.’s Dolby Theater. Others on the bill include Neil Young, Judy Collins, Sheryl Crow, Burt Bacharach, and Jack Black serving as the show’s emcee.
Following Tom Petty’s sudden accidental drug overdose last October 2nd at age 66, a saddened Mike Campbell recalled to Rolling Stone the Heartbreakers’ final gig at the Hollywood Bowl on September 25th, 2017: “It was magical, it was spiritual. Everybody was so happy, especially Tom — full of glory and hope. I’m just so sad to think that I’m not going to play those songs again.”
